Point Reyes Lighthouse
Iconic 1870 lighthouse perched on a dramatic headland, offering stunning coastal views and a challenging descent.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Stairs are open for access
Point Reyes Lighthouse
Best Time
Stairs are open for access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 1870 lighthouse perched on a dramatic headland, offering stunning coastal views and a challenging descent.
"Breathtaking views and a historically interesting lighthouse make this a must-visit."
🧥 Layer Up!
It's always windy and cold here. Bring warm clothes and a hat, even in summer!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be walking and climbing stairs. Good footwear is a must for the 313 steps.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Historic Lighthouse
Base of the cliff
Descend 313 steps to this iconic 1870 lighthouse, a beacon of maritime history.
Panoramic Coastal Views
Lighthouse parking lot and trail
Breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline await.
The 313 Steps
Path to the lighthouse
A challenging but rewarding descent and ascent with stunning ocean panoramas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress for the Elements
Check Stair Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Layer Up!
It's always windy and cold here. Bring warm clothes and a hat, even in summer!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be walking and climbing stairs. Good footwear is a must for the 313 steps.
⏰ Check Stair Hours
Stairs are open Thu-Sun, 10 AM-4 PM. High winds can cause closures.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Small lot fills fast. Park along the road if needed. Accessible parking available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Layer Up!
It's always windy and cold here. Bring warm clothes and a hat, even in summer!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be walking and climbing stairs. Good footwear is a must for the 313 steps.
⏰ Check Stair Hours
Stairs are open Thu-Sun, 10 AM-4 PM. High winds can cause closures.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Small lot fills fast. Park along the road if needed. Accessible parking available.
📸 Combine with Nearby Spots
Visit Chimney Rock and Cypress Tree Tunnel on the same trip!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking views and the historical significance of the Point Reyes Lighthouse. The unique experience of descending the 313 steps and exploring the lighthouse is a highlight for many. However, the unpredictable weather, particularly strong winds and fog, can impact the experience and lead to stair closures.
"Views from Point Reyes are breathtaking. From the lighthouse parking lot, the half mile hike to the lighthouse gift shop and visitor/information center is fairly easy and presents beautiful vistas in all directions. At that point, you arrive at the top of the 313 steps down to the lighthouse. The views from here were spectacular, even though pretty much all I could see was the ocean.
The lighthouse is both beautiful and historically interesting. A nice & friendly ranger inside the lighthouse explained about its history and its mechanics. The hike back up was very refreshing. All together, an easy walk to & from the lighthouse with beautiful views of the National Seashore. This lighthouse is small but adorable! Point Reyes is truly a beautiful viewing point.
Though the entire area is awesomely beautiful, the lighthouse was clearly the pinnacle of our visit."
Bhushan Timla
"The place is absolutely beautiful and definitely worth the drive. There’s a small public parking lot with limited spaces, but you can also find parking along the road. You’ll find public restrooms near the parking area and another one along the trail to the lighthouse. There’s also a souvenir shop and an educational center nearby. The views are truly breathtaking.
A few tips before you go:
1. It’s very cold and windy, so make sure to wear warm clothes and a hat.
2. The walk from the parking lot to the lighthouse is about 0.4 miles, followed by 313 stairs. Going down is easy, and on the way back up there are a few benches where you can take a break. The stairs are also quite narrow.
3. The stairs are open Thursday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. If wind speeds exceed 40 mph, the stairs will be closed for safety.
4. I suggest combining this trip with Chimney Rock and Cypress Tree Tunnel."
Kateryna Novodvorska
"A great lighthouse with an intriguing history. Excellent views across the ocean when the fog clears.
Staff were informative and very helpful, and the site is well maintained in general.
Would happily visit again and stay longer to do some wildlife watching. There's a lot to see from the vantage point"
Samuel Liddicott
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Getting to Point Reyes Lighthouse from San Francisco without a car can be challenging. Public transportation options are limited and often require multiple transfers. The most common advice is to rent a car for the day, as it offers the most flexibility to explore Point Reyes National Seashore and reach the lighthouse. Some shuttle services might be available, but they are not always direct or frequent.
Yes, there is a small public parking lot near the lighthouse. However, spaces are limited and can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Visitors often find parking along the road leading to the lighthouse. Accessible parking is available closer to the visitor center for those with a badge.
The drive to Point Reyes Lighthouse is scenic. From San Francisco, take Highway 101 North to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, then follow signs for Point Reyes National Seashore. The lighthouse is at the very end of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Be prepared for winding roads and potential fog.
The walk from the main parking lot to the lighthouse visitor center is about 0.4 miles. From there, you'll descend 313 stairs to reach the lighthouse itself. The path is uphill on the way back to the parking lot.
Yes, you can visit Point Reyes Lighthouse in the fog, and it can add to the dramatic atmosphere. However, the fog can obscure the views. The lighthouse itself is still accessible, but visibility might be limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse grounds. Entry to the Point Reyes National Seashore is also free. However, access to the lighthouse stairs is restricted to specific hours and days.
The Point Reyes Lighthouse stairs are typically open Thursday through Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. It's crucial to check the official Point Reyes National Seashore website or call ahead, as hours can change due to weather conditions, especially high winds.
The lighthouse grounds and visitor center are generally accessible, but the stairs leading down to the lighthouse are only open on specific days and times. They can also be closed unexpectedly due to high winds, which are common in the area.
While there aren't formal guided tours in the traditional sense, rangers are often present inside the lighthouse during open hours to share its history and explain its mechanics. The visitor center also provides educational information.
No, there is no entrance fee to Point Reyes National Seashore. You can drive in and explore many areas without paying an admission fee. The lighthouse itself is also free to access when the stairs are open.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The walk from the parking lot to the lighthouse visitor center is a paved, slightly uphill path. The main 'hike' involves descending 313 steps to the lighthouse itself. The return trip up the stairs can be challenging, with benches available for breaks.
It's essential to dress in layers. The area is known for being very cold and windy, so a warm jacket, hat, and gloves are recommended, even during summer months. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must for the stairs.
Yes, there are public restrooms located near the main parking area. Additional restrooms can be found along the trail towards the lighthouse.
Point Reyes is a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing. You might see seals, sea lions, whales (during migration season), various seabirds, and if you're lucky, tule elk in other parts of the park.
The walk from the parking lot to the visitor center is paved and accessible. However, the 313 steps down to the lighthouse are not accessible. There are accessible parking spots closer to the visitor center for those with a valid badge.
📸 📸 Photography
The area around the lighthouse offers stunning photographic opportunities. Capture the lighthouse itself against the ocean backdrop, the dramatic coastal cliffs, and the winding staircase. The views from the top and bottom of the stairs are particularly photogenic.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. However, be prepared for fog, which can create moody and dramatic shots.
Drone usage is restricted in most National Parks, including Point Reyes National Seashore, to protect wildlife and visitor experience. It's best to check the official NPS website for current drone regulations before your visit.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal landscapes and the lighthouse. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a sturdy tripod if you plan on shooting during sunrise or sunset, and a polarizing filter can help cut glare on the water.
General photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or videography may require a permit. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring plenty of snacks and water, and ensure kids are wearing comfortable shoes. The educational center at the lighthouse offers insights into maritime history that can engage older children. Remember to dress everyone in warm layers, as the wind can be intense. Consider combining the visit with other family-friendly spots in Point Reyes National Seashore, like the Bear Valley Visitor Center or the tide pools at Drakes Beach.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
Combine your lighthouse visit with a hike to Chimney Rock for stunning elephant seal viewing (seasonal) or explore the trails around Tomales Point for elk sightings. Remember to check trail conditions and be prepared for varying weather, especially wind and fog.
📸 Photographers
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light, but don't discount the moody atmosphere created by the frequent fog. A wide-angle lens is ideal for sweeping landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Be prepared for wind, which can add a dynamic element to your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Point Reyes Lighthouse
Inside, the lighthouse housed a magnificent first-order Fresnel lens, a complex optical instrument that magnified and focused the light, making it visible for up to 24 miles at sea. This lens was a marvel of engineering for its time and played a vital role in maritime safety. Despite its importance, the lighthouse was eventually decommissioned in 1975, replaced by an automated light and foghorn system.
Today, the Point Reyes Lighthouse stands as a historic landmark and a popular tourist destination within the Point Reyes National Seashore. Visitors can descend the 313 steps to explore the lighthouse, learn about its fascinating past, and experience the dramatic coastal scenery that made it so vital. The site offers a tangible connection to California's maritime heritage and the challenges faced by mariners in the past.
Navigating the 313 Steps
Fortunately, the National Park Service has installed several benches along the staircase, providing opportunities to rest and catch your breath. These rest stops are well-placed and allow visitors to take breaks as needed. The stairs are also quite narrow, so be mindful of others as you ascend and descend.
It's important to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes for this part of the visit. The stairs are open from 10 AM to 4 PM, Thursday through Sunday, but can be closed without notice if wind speeds exceed 40 mph for safety reasons. Always check the weather and park alerts before your visit.
The Unique Climate of Point Reyes
Even on sunny days elsewhere in the Bay Area, Point Reyes can be shrouded in fog and buffeted by strong winds. This is due to the convergence of warm inland air and the cold California Current offshore. The lighthouse's location on a dramatic headland, jutting out into the Pacific, makes it particularly exposed to these elements.
Visitors should always be prepared for these conditions by dressing in layers, including windproof outerwear and a hat. The changeable weather adds to the wild, untamed beauty of the area but requires visitors to be adaptable and well-equipped.
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